Rose choice pays off

CHICAGO – The Bulls were pretty sure that they would not regret making Derrick Rose the top pick in last year’s draft instead of Michael Beasley.

The choice has paid off, with Rose figuring prominently into the conversation for the Rookie of the Year award while Beasley has been solid but not spectacular for the Miami Heat.

Thursday night, with Beasley and the Heat in town to face the Bulls, the gap was not as clear. Rose scored 18 points to go with six assists, and Beasley made 9 of 10 shots off the bench to finish with 21 points and seven rebounds.

“He was very good for them tonight,” Rose said. “Him, [Dwyane] Wade and [Shawn] Marion were all very good, and those are the guys that can really carry that team.”